Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas has welcomed the extension of the time limit for most employment tribunal claims from three months to six months.
The change took effect on 1 October. Thomas said it gives workers more time to try to resolve a dispute internally or through conciliation, and to consider whether to bring a claim.
Usdaw said the reform is one of the gains secured through Labour’s Employment Rights Act. Thomas argued that its value will depend on workers being able to use their rights in practice.
She also urged ministers to avoid loopholes as they develop guaranteed-hours contracts. Usdaw opposes limiting the proposed right to workers contracted for fewer than 20 hours a week, saying people with longer contracts can also regularly work hours their employer does not guarantee.
“The right to a contract that guarantees the hours you normally work is a matter of basic fairness and security,” Thomas said.
The tribunal deadline has changed; the detailed approach to guaranteed hours remains under consideration.
